Scientists at the Hyderabad-based CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) have developed a novel drug-delivery system for treating fungal keratitis. Keratitis is the inflammation of the eye, which starts with redness and itching and might eventually lead to blindness. Keratitis is caused by both bacteria and fungi. Fungi attach themselves to the cornea and... Continue Reading →
CCMB: Can alpha chain of clusterin protein control weight, fat gain in animals?
The two chains of clusterin protein, which are normally expressed in several tissues and can be found in several body fluids, when present together tend to lower lipid levels but administration of one of its chains — alpha or beta — results in completely different outcomes. Cells treated with a recombinant beta chain tend to... Continue Reading →
Ostriches existed in India over 25,000 years ago, DNA evidence shows
Based on a DNA analysis of a fossilised eggshell fragment of ostrich, Indian researchers have for the first time found molecular evidence to confirm the presence of these birds in India more than 25,000 years ago. Scientists found 92% genetic similarity between the fossil eggshell samples and Struthio camelus, an ostrich species found in Africa.... Continue Reading →
CCMB researchers unravel the skin colour genetics of Indians
A study of skin colour of 1,167 people belonging to 27 ethnic groups living in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar found that social structure defined by the caste system has a “profound influence on skin pigmentation”. The skin colour was found to vary significantly among ethnic groups and social categories studied. Accordingly, Brahmins of Uttar Pradesh... Continue Reading →
One more reason to avoid consanguineous marriages
A body of evidence shows that children born out of consanguineous marriages suffer from several congenital disorders. This is particularly so in the case of children born out of union involving first cousins. The problem in close relative marriages surfaces when a person carries a defect in any of the genes associated with some form... Continue Reading →
Gene responsible for obesity in Indians identified
For the first time, Indian researchers have been able to isolate a gene associated with obesity which is specific to the Indian population. This is important, as identifying the genetic determinants of body mass index (BMI) will go a long way in better understanding the biological basis of overweight and obesity. The aim of a... Continue Reading →
Study throws light on genetic diversity of Indian population
A paper published online today (September 24) in the journal Nature, shows that all diverse groups seen spread out in India today come from two major ancient populations that are genetically divergent. The two ancient populations are the Ancestral North Indians (ANI) and the Ancestral South Indians (ASI). The study was based on genetic analysis.... Continue Reading →
GM crops’ biosafety testing procedure questioned
Published in The Hindu on June 25, 2008 The way in which the Genetic Engineering and Approval Committee (GEAC) has gone about approving field trials of genetically modified crops, as also the final approval for commercial cultivation, has been questioned by P.M. Bhargava, the former Director of the Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology.... Continue Reading →
Pluto’s demotion, science and superstition
Published in The Hindu on August 31, 2006 Pluto, we are sorry for you. Though Pluto may no longer find a place in science textbooks as the ninth planet in our solar system - scientists have shrunk the number of planets to eight - it will surely be one of the most hotly debated and... Continue Reading →
